Good Morning, Quilters!
Where have YOU been? I haven’t heard from you in a while…
Or was it me?
(Yes, it was definitely me!)
I’ve been loafing on my blog duties. What happened?
After nearly 10 years of blog, I just stopped writing one day.
I can’t completely explain it myself. It was a confluence of factors. At first, I felt a need to step away from social media for awhile.
Then I started working on some other projects like cleaning closets (argh!) and making curtains (yeah!) and gelli printing and dyeing vintage fabrics, and making books, and baking sourdough and crocheting amigurumi….
I visited some very creative friends in Texas,
And a very creative friend came to Minnesota (in February!)
In addition, I did a lot of in-person teaching and wrote some articles for BERNINA and American Quilter Magazine…
Mix in two weeks with Covid,
Some amazing travel,
and as much time as I could fill with family….
Just like that, my good habit of writing vanished!
The Plan
So I have a new blogging plan to get me writing again and to keep YOU quilting.
My plan is to return to blogging a few days per week with short, simple blog posts.
Easy to write. Easy to read.
Keep it simple.
What about YOU?
I’ve missed YOU!
How have YOU been?
What have YOU been creating? (Please tell me you’ve been doodling…..!?!)
Have YOU taken any classes? read any good books? watched any fabulous movies?
Any weddings, babies, grand-babies?
(BTW—I really appreciated the notes inquiring as to my health and whether I was in witness protection or something….
Thanks for not giving up on me!)
Let’s get back to work!!!
Your Faithful (Though Occasionally Lazy) Quilt Sister,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com!
Check out my books on Etsy: LoriKennedyShop
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141 comments
Pat
So glad you are back! Looking forward to what you will be sharing.
Cheryl Saunderson
It is so good to “see” you again! I have your books and re-read them for more ideas all the time. I use the little quilted turtle you enclosed as a bookmark. So cute! I will never, ever be as good as you, but I am branching out of my comfort zone and getting more creative with my FMQ. Love putting words in the quilting.
Sometimes you just need a break from the usual and things happen we can’t control. Looks like you enjoyed your hiatus!
We had Covid here over Christmas, first me, then hubby. We just had our Christmas this past weekend. It was tough not seeing the family, but we are in Niagara Falls and that storm hit us Christmas weekend also. Not quite as bad as Buffalo but it was pretty bad. Driving bans were in effect and many people had to postpone their festivities. Things all work out though and I got a lot of quilting done so it wasn’t all that bad.
Welcome back!
Cheryl
Leslie Faxon
Glad you’re back!!!
Mary Rose
Missed you. Looks like you had some good you time though. Glad you will be back.
Gayle R O'Grady
Glad you enjoyed your break. Everyone needs one regularly. But happy you’re back. I’m ready for more inspiration!!
Joyce Calderon
YOU ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN QUILTING! I was actually happy to see you took a breath and a break to travel those side roads that make up your beautiful life. Selfishly, I’m so glad you are back to keep me inspired and working towards truly mastering free motion quilting….smile. My best to you!
Kathryne
So happy you’re back writing!
cptskiray
Have missed you. Glad you have enjoyed your time off, but glad you will be posting again.
Really enjoyed them.
cptskiray
Have really missed you. Glad you are back, but that you had a wonderful time away.
Yes have been doodling some and want to start to machine quilting again.
Karen OConnor
So glad to have you back. I’ve been thinking about you lately because I have a special quilt project which needed your ideas. Your quilting tutorials are a godsend since I’m a visual learner. Thanks for sharing your adventures with family and friends (the most important people). Sometimes our ‘work’ takes over our lives. We forget to stop and enjoy life. You give so much to the quilters who follow you blog. Thank you.
Arvilla Trag
I totally get the concept of “one day I just stopped writing”. I used to knit. Not just once in a while – I knitted any time my hands were not doing something else, like cooking, or washing my hair. I taught knitting, I designed sweaters for yarn companies, I even had a yarn shop. I took my knitting everywhere (O’Hare airport is usually good for three complete sweaters a year). In an average year I made 5 sweaters, plus hats, socks, mittens, afghans and scarves. I even spun my own yarn. Then one day about 8 years ago I just stopped knitting.
I am not a person who can sit without doing something. I took up quilting 20 years ago, but when I stopped knitting I got serious about quilting. So serious that – finances permitting – we are going to have a quilting studio built for me. I have started making a one-of-a-kind handbags to sell as well as quilts, and I really, really need more space. (My stash, a huge cutting table, a sewing table and a Scrap Box are crammed into a 10 x 11 spare bedroom.)
You – and we – are lucky your writing muse has returned. I try knitting about once a year or so, but I just cannot embrace it the way I once did. Maybe someday. Right now I have to go finish binding a quilt (BTW, thanks for the border quilting ideas!). Happy New Year!
petunia2017
Welcome back, have missed you and am so glad you are OK. Yes, I have been doodling and am near finished fmq’g my latest quilt. Thanks for your ongoing inspiration and I love that you will be doing more quick, easy posts! Keep on quilting!
Margaret Harmon
Surprised how many of you have sit down quilting machines! My dream but it will not happen for me. My budget will not allow. But I am thankful for my HQ Stitch 710. I can even quilt Kong size on it. It is almost same as Janome 8200 or Janome 8900. Seems to have some features of each but not all of 8900. It is actually produced by Janome. I am very grateful for it
Sarah
I’m so glad you are blogging again. Your words and pictures truly inspire me!
Linda
So glad you are healthy and had time for yourself and projects that are important to you! Glad to have you back again, frequent short posts are wonderful. Continually reference your books when I get to sit at my Q20. Happy Quilting!!
Trisha
You’ve been missed, so glad you’re back. I’m happy it wasn’t a health issue that kept you silent. Everyone needs a break and you deserved yours. Looking forward to hearing from you again✂️🪡✂️🪡✂️
Kathie Banks
Hi Lori! Welcome back to our email boxes. My hubby retired, we’ve moved into a home with one level living and I’m currently assembling my studio. Funny how twice the space doesn’t mean less clutter. We’re awaiting our first great grandchild and planning travel. It’s been fun involving hubby in my quilting by taking in two APQS Quilt Week events and a statewide shop hop. I’m always researching motifs in your books and look forward to your magazine articles. We all get busy with life and set aside things that don’t fit for a time. We’re glad you’ve decided to post again, but if you want to enjoy your life and blog, remember that we understand which of the two is most important.
Gale
I have been enjoying your blog for years! I did miss you, almost afraid to think why you weren’t writing. But we bought a new house and are in the process of moving 1700 miles to Hastings, Mn. I didn’t realize you are in Minnesota!
Kathleen Pusey
So glad you are back. We all should take breaks and stretch our bodies and minds and spirit 🙂
Lillian K
Hello – I’ new to quilting and just got a sit down quilter (HandiQuilter Capri). On one of your posts can you help with some tips/ideas for quilting a larger (twin size and larger)? I have tried several things but always have trouble managing the bulk and keeping it on the table.
Thanks,
Kari
I took my first real quilting class. It was fun and challenging. My grandson is loving my sewing and likes to help. I also traveled to Salzburg! A special trip our 82 yo mom took us on! Welcome back!
Becky Shaffer
Hi Lori! I was delighted to see you in my inbox yesterday and again today! I’ve been thinking about you lately. I’m relieved that it was a voluntary break and not one that was caused by illness or some other unpleasant reason.It’s good to take a break once in awhile and get reinvigorated.
I’ve been enjoying my new Q16 and have expanded into rulerwork, but I still like to work in free motion especially with your designs. I’m looking forward to this new, or continued, journey.
Best wishes!
Becky
Shirley M
So glad you took a break and made sometime for yourself to do different. We love your blogs but always want you to enjoy your life. Moving forward, short and simple is perfect. We appreciate all that you do and are grateful for whatever amount of your time and knowledge we get. I did miss you and I’m so glad to know you’re OK. Welcome back. :-))
AnnaRae
So good to have you back. No one free motions like you do. I love your style. Welcome back and can’t wait to read every word.
Susan Lee
Oh what an exciting hiatus! Well first, let me tell you, I am new to you blog and videos! I found you during your hiatus (sounds much better than laziness, doesn’t it? ❤️). I purchased your lovely book last year I believe, and have used several of your ideas to (finally) quilt abt 15 quilts since the beginning of 2021. I definitely wondered and worried a bit about what may have become of you, and what a treat to see an email in my box! Welcome back and I am sure everyone will be as excited as I am to “hear” about your week as you ramp back up and fall into the groove once again. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ from a little town in Texas, Sue (@quiltedbysue on Insta)
Mayela Hansen
I am glad you are back!
Rosemary B
Lori, it is always good to hear from you. I loved your silent Sunday post
and this one. Life is busy, time just flies. The best parts are flopping around with friends and family just being lazy and happy.
Wow, that sit down quilting machine looks dreamy.
Mary Ann Rohrer
Thank you for reaching out. All of us need a break! Your blogs got me started at the beginning of Covid and I am so appreciative of that! And so glad to see you pop up again in my inbox! I haven’t been doodling but will start again, especially as I have had the opportunity from a friend to quilt two quilts on a longarm and my initial practicing with your inspiration really helped. So thank you for reaching out. So looking for ward to your short, sweet blogs!
mickeytippens5507
I’m glad you enjoyed your time , it’s always nice to take a break, it’s needed. But I’m happy your back!
gailebird
Welcome back!
Sheila
Stepping away for a while just makes us better. It is good to get away from the routine once in a while to refresh! Glad you are back, but please do not call yourself lazy; from what you wrote you have been soooo busy! Take care of you!
Rosemarie Bisciglia
I realized that FB decided you were not important anymore and went looking for you.
Anne
I’m glad you’re back. Also, I’m glad you’ve been busy with family, travel etc— but sorry about Covid. It’s okay to take a break; you were doing what your mind and body needed.
We welcome you back and look forward to your blogs, no matter how many or how often.
Your grands are so cute.
ellencor
I have missed you! My FMQ practice is suffering without the inspiration, for sure, but I’m glad you were off “filling your cup.” Have you thought about scheduling old blog posts to run while you step away for a break? I know I would enjoy some oldies but goodies. And please don’t quit for good!
lndgroom
So glad your back. It’s like hearing from an old friend.
Connie Z Dodd
Good for you and glad you’re back!
Cynthia M Holten
Missed you bunches. So glad to see you are back on line! I’m looking forward to seeing more of your fantastic quilting designs, tips, and just general stuff about your quilting journey.
Jeanette
I, too am so happy you are back and your break was for refreshment, not because of health/family issues. Your posts were always so positive and I looked forward to them. This summer I took a pet portrait class and of course my background fill was Lori Kennedy inspired! Thank you for your willingness to teach and share!
Sally Stobaugh
It was wonderful to see your email yesterday! I’m so glad you have been busy with creative experiences and enjoying time with your family. I finally cleaned out my quilting closet and was able to let many fabrics and patterns go after asking myself if I still really want to make a project or do I even like this fabric or style anymore. I have a lot of fabric, quilt magazines and patterns to donate to a senior citizen sponsored thrift store. I hope these items will bring some pleasure to someone else. I feel like I have a fresh start- no guilt anymore as I sew and relax. I hope to spend lots of time doodling and planning quilting designs this year.
stripeyquilter
Missed you! So glad you took time to enjoy a different rhythm. I look forward to the new insights you’ll be sharing.
Sandra Kay Taylor
10 Years!!! You deserve a break!!! I wouldn’t have last a week. Please don’t feel guilty about taking some time off you need a break. And it looks like you have found some inspiration for yourself along the way. I have your Craftsy classes to review and your books that I refer to often. Also, every day I have the beautiful closed umbrella FMQ your sent me with your book just to look at for the beauty of it and for inspiration and motivation. I do doodle often, something I would never have done without your teaching. I will look forward to your blogs whenever and as often as you decided to send them. I love your work and passion for FMQ. God bless you! Sandra Taylor
Norma
So glad that you’re back. I have missed you. I definitely need your reminders to doodle. Because of you and my new stationary quilting machine I am now quilting all of my own quilts.
lilmama1001
My BFF is a former hairdresser, and every time she cut someone’s hair she said “new head [outside], new head [inside].” So welcome to your New Head, and please let us know where you’ll be teaching next…I’m on the east coast and would love to show you around!
Sri Poedjastoeti
I’m happy to see you back. I have been “following” you everywhere. Looking forward to your blog and tutorials.
Joyce Smith
So glad you are back!!! I’ve been making quilts, but not doing the quilting much. I golf in the summer, so don’t get much done. Looking forward to more of your fabulous posts. I have all of your books. Now to practice more!
Cindy Clark
Soooooo glad you are back. I have been a busy beaver since our online 25 Days (weeks) FMQ class during the pandemic. I’ve taken two classes online with Ricky Tims..Kool Kaleidoscope and an awesome class on curved piecing. I entered my Kaleidoscope quilt into the state fair, but no ribbon this time (boo!). I came within a hair’s breadth of purchasing a Q-16, but not this time.
I’ve read a lot of books, hiked a lot of trails, crocheted and quilted a lot of blankets for Project Linus, and spent quality time with the grands, attending choir concerts, musicals, plays and adaptive t-ball games among other things..You may notice that cooking and cleaning were not among the highlighted activities. I’ve also submitted a few choice items to Bulletin Board in the SP Pioneer Press Sunday Edition
Good to have you back!!!
Cindy, aka CeeCee of Mahtomedi
MaryJeanne Bruce
Good to hear from you! Don’t ya love how life gets in the way of our quilting. Just know we are always here living life the same. Happy New Year!
Charlotte Gueho
So glad to see you again 🤗
Sally
So great to “see” you again! looks like you had a terrific time away from the blog.
Jenny Garcia
I’ll echo all the other comments…so glad you’re back but I’m also glad you’ve been taking care of yourself! I have a new (first) grandbaby so I’m looking forward to some quilting projects for him.
Thanks for all you do!!
Jackie Belton
Glad you are back. I’m still quilting and got news at Christmas that I’m going to be a Great Grandmother.
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